Tis' the (Broadway) Season

There has been a lot going on in the Broadway world during the last few months of the 2017-2018 season. . While some shows are closing, others are preparing to take over theaters, hit the stage, and take on Broadway. Broadway is ever-changing and shows are always being created, so we at The Lion's Roar have created an update on what has recently closed and what will be opening in the coming months!

Recently, many Broadway musicals have been closed. A notable controversy came from Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812​ when it was announced that Mandy Patinkin, a white man,would take over as the show's lead, Pierre, in The Great Comet. Fans were deeply upset that Oak Onaodowan, the African American actor who previously played Pierre, was being removed from the show. It was handled very poorly by The Great Comet's staff, which drove fans believe it was a race problem. In reality, the show was not making enough money. After this controversy, Patinkin pulled out of the show, which was forced to close on September 3, 2017. The Great Comet staff provided another story in regards to its closing, but others announced that they were closing to prevent further drama. Other shows that closed this season include Bandstand starring Corey Cott and Laura Osens and Groundhog Day starring Andy Karl. However, as we move into the next year, more shows will leave the stage to welcome new ones.

Musicals set to open in the upcoming months (with confirmed dates) include The Band’s Visit (11/9/17), Once On This Island (12/3/17), Spongebob Squarepants (12/4/17), Escape To Margaritaville (3/15/18), Frozen (3/22/18), Mean Girls (4/8/18), My Fair Lady (4/19/18), Harry Potter And The Cursed Child (4/22/18), and Rocktopia (4/29/18). Prepare yourself for loads of new cast albums and trips to Broadway! While Hamilton is still all-the rage, other shows will rise up ("rise up") and take Broadway by storm.